Page 4 - Sojourner Newsletter-Winter 2024 FINALv2

4 THE SOJOURNER

NATIONAL SECRETARY’S DESK

The first half of this Sojourner year has seen many changes at the National Office.
We welcomed Helen Brazell, who replaced Janine Kovack, as our new Office
Manager and also Katheryn “Joy” Frankum who was brought onboard to finalize the
digitization efforts that have plagued Headquarters for years. Brother Barry Bartley
continues to volunteer his time and assisted me with the onboarding process with
new personnel, and Heather McGraw is busy training others in preparation for her
imminent departure as Sales and ROTC Manager.

Throughout this year, we have faced many other challenges that made it anything but easy – from the
relentless workload and shifting priorities to the evolving macro environment. Despite the hurdles, I have been
impressed with the robustness and engagement of our team and how we have been able to adapt and pivot to
more efficient procedures that foster a culture of collaboration, feedback, and development. We have
overcome challenges and achieved milestones that have positioned us for even greater accomplishments in the
coming years. While I cannot possibly cover everything, I will mention a few highlights of 2023 Sojourner
year:

Digitizing Chapter Records – We are on track of attaining our goal of completing this task by the 2024 ANC.
We no longer accept paper as the usual means of communication, reports, forms and applications. Stopping
the massive amounts of paper coming into the office was the first step in getting our records digitized and
embracing the modern world we live in.

National Sojourners MMS (membership database) - Transition of the required back office or HQ programs
and reports is nearly complete and we will soon be able to focus on enhancements and features requested from
HQ or Chapter Secretaries. We want our MMS to be a wealth of information and resources “at your
fingertips” to create a framework for success at the local level of National Sojourners.

Website Stabilization and improvements – The website was moved to a better hosting environment and we
therefore have enjoyed a more stable and useable website. There are many improvements and features planned
in the second half of this Sojourner year but we are still awaiting input from our Committees and those tasked
with specific webpage editing. The ability of having Chapter electronic file cabinets for Chapter (and
Committees) specific storage in the “Cloud“ has been achieved. Our IT Chairman and Webmaster, Brother
Bill Hickey, is our SME and will help guide you to utilize this VERY important capability!

Remodeled Front Office areas – We decluttered and reorganized in a way to make it more efficient and more
welcoming to visitors. We also included a National Sojourners carpet or rug and displayed some of our more
iconic artifacts to make the front office more professional looking.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Mark W. Underwood
National Secretary-Treasurer

Missing 2022 – 2023 Chapter Annual Reports:
CLEVELAND #23 HAMILTON #277 KNOXVILLE #514
LOUISIANE #33 LAKE MICHIGAN #289 GEN H. ARNOLD #524
KENTUCKY #134 FARGO-MOORHEAD #338 WAYNE W. GATEWOOD #536
CHARLES A. LINDBERGH #247 ALASKA #355 ROGUE VALLEY #538
PASADENA #265 MONTGOMERY #265 OLYMPIC #539
STOCKTON #266 ARROWHEAD #421 ARKANSAS POST #551
VENTURA COUNTY #494